The Future of Food Trade: Business France Strengthens French-Global Partnerships at Gulfood 2025
Business France, the public consulting agency dedicated to the international development of the French economy, will host four Taste France Pavilions at Gulfood 2025, showcasing the authenticity, diversity, and sustainability of French food products. This year, 93 leading French companies will exhibit across four dedicated pavilions, each representing a key sector of France’s thriving food industry:
- World Food Pavilion – Sheikh Saeed Hall 2 (S2-B35)
- Dairy Pavilion – Hall 1
- Meat & Poultry Pavilion – Hall 3
- Beverages Pavilion – Za’abeel Hall 2
This strong presence at Gulfood 2025 offers buyers, importers, and distributors an exclusive opportunity to explore high-quality French products that align with the evolving demands of regional and global markets.
Showcasing the Best of French Agri-Food Excellence
Dairy Pavilion – Premium Organic Selections
The Dairy Pavilion will feature France’s finest dairy products, including organic gourmet cheeses, creamy yogurts, and rich butters, all crafted from ethically sourced goat and cow milk. These GMO-free and palm oil-free selections reflect the growing global demand for healthy and sustainable food options.
Meat & Poultry Pavilion – Ethical Sourcing and High Quality
Visitors will discover a selection of premium meats, from tender beef cuts and high-quality poultry to fresh seafood and plant-based alternatives. Produced under stringent ethical farming and sustainability standards, these offerings showcase France’s expertise in responsibly sourced proteins.
World Food Pavilion – Where Tradition Meets Innovation
The World Food Pavilion will highlight classic French delicacies, including buttery croissants, delicate macarons, organic jams, gourmet condiments, and gluten-free treats. This sector reflects France’s ability to blend heritage with modern food trends, catering to diverse global tastes and dietary preferences.
Beverages Pavilion – French Craftsmanship in Refreshments
From organic and biodynamic beverages to halal-certified drinks, this pavilion presents a refined selection of non-alcoholic sparkling beverages, artisanal juices, and premium ciders, combining tradition with modern consumer expectations.
Strategic Trade & Innovation at Gulfood 2025
Flavie Paquay, Dubai Director at Business France, emphasized the importance of this event, stating:
"Gulfood 2025 is a strategic event for France, offering a unique opportunity to showcase the excellence and diversity of our agri-food sector. French companies are known for their high standards in quality, sustainability, and innovation. By choosing French suppliers, buyers gain access to premium products that combine tradition with modern consumer expectations, ensuring a competitive edge in the global market."
Strengthening Trade Through the Business France Marketplace
To enhance business connectivity, Business France has launched a B2B Marketplace, a digital platform connecting international buyers with verified French suppliers.
Axel Baroux, Managing Director of Business France Near & Middle East, highlighted the platform’s role in expanding access to premium French products:
"We are delighted to expand access to the Business France Marketplace, offering over 20,000 premium food and beverage references. This government-backed platform provides a secure and dynamic space to explore the latest French innovations, market trends, and trade opportunities. With nearly 350 buyers from the Near & Middle East already registered, the platform is actively strengthening business connections across the region."
Live Culinary Experiences & Interactive Activities
Visitors at the French Pavilion will enjoy immersive gastronomic experiences through live cooking demonstrations, product tastings, and culinary showcases.
- Day 1: Grand Opening – A live cooking show featuring French Chef Christophe Prud’homme, Director of Culinary Art at Millennium Plaza Downtown, will highlight French gastronomy with an exclusive product tasting session.
- Day 2: Culinary Fusion – Where France Meets the UAE – Emirati Chef Sumaya Obaid and French Chef Melvyn Ngoundo will collaborate in a live cooking session, blending French and Emirati flavors.
- Day 3: Spectacular Cooking Experience – Visitors will engage in an interactive cooking session using premium French ingredients and participate in tastings at the Business France booth, with opportunities to win gourmet French products.
- Day 4: Signature Coffee & Tea Artistry – Hosted by Cafés Richard, this session will explore French coffee culture, featuring specialty brews, aromatic infusions, and expert barista techniques.
France: A Key Agri-Food Supplier to the UAE
In 2024, the United Arab Emirates imported €552 million worth of French agri-food products, reinforcing France’s position among the top 10 food suppliers in the region. This reflects a 10.6% increase in imports, underscoring the strong demand for high-quality, innovative French products.
- Dairy products remain a key export, with €75 million worth of cheese, butter, and cream shipped to the UAE.
- Bakery and bread products continue to thrive, fueled by Emirati consumers' preference for authentic, premium goods.
- Premium snacking (€738 million) and artisanal chocolate (€444 million) have seen significant growth, driven by tourism and the reputation of French confectionery.
- Agri-food ingredients, including flour, additives, and milk powder, present strategic opportunities for French exporters looking to expand in the UAE market.
With increasing demand for sustainable, high-quality, and innovative food solutions, Gulfood 2025 will serve as a key platform for French suppliers to strengthen partnerships and expand their presence in the Middle East and beyond.
